ALLENTOWN, Pa. – A much-loved, fast-casual concept will welcome foodies to its new home in a Lehigh County shopping center this weekend.
Zahra, a Middle Eastern/Mediterranean concept and sister business of Allentown’s Aladdin Restaurant, is set to open on Friday, May 1, at its new location in mid-March at 323 S. Cedar Crest Blvd. in Allentown, owner Samantha Younes told 69 News this week.
Ryan Kneller
The Shops at Cedar Point spot was previously home to a Red Wing Shoes store, and renovations including new flooring, lighting, kitchen equipment and more have taken place over the past several months.
Younes previously operated Zahra for more than five years at the former Downtown Allentown Market, which closed last spring on downtown Allentown’s ArtsWalk, between Sixth and Seventh streets.
The concept was an immediate hit, drawing large crowds and rave reviews, and Zahra ultimately became the only business to operate throughout the now-closed market’s entire duration.
Younes was not deterred by the Downtown Allentown Market’s closure, announcing in April 2025 that she planned to reopen Zahra at another location in the city.
Zahra
“I’m super excited,” Younes said.
“I was born and raised in Allentown, and I knew that I wanted to stay within the city limits. So, I was shopping around to find the right place, and this spot was perfect. It’s right by the Hamilton Boulevard bypass and also near the hospital, Dorney Park and Cedar Crest College. There’s also a lot of homes and other businesses in the area.”
Zahra’s new location, with dining room seating for around 30 guests, will operate next to Pho*Nom1nal Vietnamese Cuisine in The Shops at Cedar Point.
The shopping center, which is also home to other foodie hot spots such as Menchie’s, Pines Dinner Theatre and Bamboo Asian Cuisine & Sushi Bar, is located along a busy stretch of Cedar Crest Boulevard, just south of the Hamilton Boulevard Bypass.
Takeout and catering also will be available, and delivery will be offered through Grubhub and other third-party delivery platforms, Younes said.
Younes is excited to operate Zahra alongside other great businesses in a highly visible shopping plaza.
Ryan Kneller
During Zahra’s time in downtown Allentown, parking and visibility issues proved challenging as the Downtown Allentown Market was tucked away a bit on the ArtsWalk, Younes said.
“Not only is there plenty of free parking, it’s also located along a heavily traveled road,” Younes said in regard Zahra’s new spot.
“A lot of people have told me, ‘That’s right near my house’ or ‘That’s right near my job.’ So, I think it’ll be a good fit for sure.”
Zahra’s menu highlights include wraps and bowls such as chicken shawarma, steak shawarma, falafel and zahra (lightly fried cauliflower); dips such as hummus and babaganouj; sides such as zaatar fries and sumac fries; and desserts such as baklava and knafe (shredded filo dough with sweet cheese and honey).
Zahra offers made-from-scratch falafel.
Zahra
A top seller is the fattoush salad, featuring romaine lettuce, tomato, cucumber, mixed cabbage, pita chips, olives and feta cheese tossed in housemade dressing (olive oil, lemon, sumac and garlic), with optional proteins such as chicken, steak, kefta, zahra or falafel.
Customers also can build their own bowls by choosing a base (rice, salad or both) and main selection (chicken shawarma, steak shawarma, kefta, zahra or falafel).
Other menu highlights include Violette’s vegan split pea soup, a Damascus shawarma wrap (whipped garlic, chicken and pickles), shareable options such as chicken or steak shawarma fries or nachos (with tahini, feta, veggies and jalapenos) and drinks such as fresh-brewed unsweetened iced tea, fresh-squeezed lemonade, Syrian tea and Turkish coffee.
Zahra’s menu mostly stayed the same since the business’ departure from downtown Allentown, but Younes also introduced a few new items.
“I added labneh, the yogurt dip that we have at Aladdin,” Younes said.
“We also used to do the vegetarian grape leaves as a special, but they were so popular that I added them to the regular menu.”
Ryan Kneller
Zahra is a sister business of Allentown’s Aladdin restaurant, which Younes’ family has owned and operated since 1981.
The full-service dining establishment was established in 1981 on Second Street before the Youneses moved it to its current spot on Union Boulevard in 1999.
At Zahra’s new location, customers will be able to enjoy lunch and dinner six days a week, with hours of 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, Samantha said.
Seating is available at banquettes and low-top tables with chairs in a welcoming dining room designed by Amy Bloom of Spundesign.
The welcoming space features greenery, modern lighting, tile and wood accents and a wall with arched insets.
Zahra’s new location is pictured at 323 S. Cedar Crest Blvd. in Allentown.
Ryan Kneller
A focal point is a hand-painted wall mural of famous Lebanese singer Fairuz by local artist Mairin Egge.
Zahra will host a grand opening and ribbon-cutting celebration later in May, Samantha said.
For the latest restaurant updates, follow Zahra’s pages on Facebook and Instagram.